A Criminology of Policing and Security Frontiers Randy

Our review of A Criminology of Policing and Security Frontiers finds it essential for scholars and practitioners who want to expand how policing and security are studied. Framed as a multi-disciplinary collection, this book's single biggest reason to buy is its focused investigation of newer, understudied forms of security provision - from community safety officers to private police foundations - that push criminology beyond traditional boundaries. Readers seeking a review that highlights conceptual breadth will appreciate the book's novel case studies and international perspective.

Key Features

• Frontier focus: Examines policing and security at geographical and conceptual margins to reveal practices often overlooked in mainstream criminology.
• Case study approach: Uses novel, real-world case studies such as ambassador patrols and conservation officers to illustrate how frontier actors operate in practice.
• Multi-disciplinary lens: Brings together perspectives from criminology, sociology and policy studies to offer richer analytical frameworks.
• International scope: Includes work from multiple countries, allowing readers to compare how security frontiers manifest across different contexts.
• Methodological range: Pushes readers to consider alternative methods beyond standard policing research, including qualitative field studies on dispersed actors.

Who It's For

This book is best for graduate students, academic researchers and policy analysts interested in the evolving forms of policing and security provision. Its emphasis on conceptual frontiers and varied case studies makes it useful for coursework and for researchers developing comparative or qualitative projects.

It is less suited to readers seeking a practitioner manual or a step-by-step guide to operational policing tactics; the book is analytical rather than procedural, and those wanting technical training materials should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Broadens the field by highlighting neglected forms of security work such as ambassador patrols and private police foundations.
• Provides concrete case studies that illustrate abstract concepts, helping bridge theory and practice.
• Multi-disciplinary and international contributions enrich comparative understanding of security frontiers.

Cons

• The analytical and academic focus means it is not a how-to resource for front-line practitioners.

Specifications

Our Verdict

A Criminology of Policing and Security Frontiers is a worthwhile purchase for academics and students seeking to expand how policing and security are conceptualised. Its value lies in compelling case studies and a cross-disciplinary perspective that make it good value for those who want to push research beyond traditional limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include practical case studies?
Yes, it contains novel case studies such as community safety officers, ambassador patrols and conservation officers that ground the analysis.

Who edited the collection?
The volume is assembled by Randy K Lippert and Kevin Walby, who bring a multi-disciplinary approach.

Is this suitable for practitioners?
It is primarily analytical and academic; practitioners may gain conceptual insight but should not expect operational training.